We lucked out hitting Arizona Restaurant Week during our stay while helping our son move into his new house in Scottsdale. I asked him to select a few restaurants on the list for us to try and I’m pleased to say, he hit a couple of home runs! Our first endeavor was in Old Town Scottsdale at a classic American fare restaurant called “Citizen Public House.” It was opened by former Cowboy Ciao culinary master chef Bernie Kantak in January 2011 and it quickly became one of the six best new restaurants in the area.
The ambiance is stylish and relaxed and the menu offers a manageable selection of American fare with a nice twist making them each inventive and unique. I figured we should try their prix fixe menu due to the special event week, but decided to delve into the regular menu for an additional starter. Their Grilled Octopus caught my eye, served with spicy watermelon gazpacho, chorico, (which I thought they spelled wrong since I have always seen it as chorizo, but I looked it up and found out it’s correct either way!) fennel, fried capers and bacon fat brushed Noble bread. It was a stellar choice – stunning and delicious!
For their Restaurant Week selections our table opted to begin with their famous “Original Chopped Salad.” This amazing salad even has it’s own Facebook page! Trust me, I know..I looked it up! And they even give out the recipe on it. Well, it was absolutely scrumptious and you can bet, I’ll be trying it out for myself. We also tried their Clam Chowder, done exceptionally well, creamy yet light, topped with herbed croutons and a drizzle of finishing oil.
For mains we selected: Pan Seared Scallops with tender belly Hampshire bacon, roasted corn grits, wilted snow pea greens and cola gastrique. Seared Ling Cod with bok choy, red miso beurre blanc, pickled papaya and hazelnuts. Grilled Pork Loin with fava beans, baby shitake mushrooms, fennel puree, pickled mustard seeds and pork demi. I did say inventive and unique! They were all super yummy and nicely adorned.
Dessert was included, although unnecessary as we were quite satiated with our meals. However, knowing that Tracy Dempsey was at the wheel creating their luscious sweets, we had to try one of each. The Black & Tan, a chocolate pot de créme with salted caramel pudding, whipped cream, roasted white chocolate streusel and browned butter shortbread. And the Bourbon Peach Bread Pudding served with vanilla ice cream. Are you salivating yet? They were seriously decadent, but kindly served in small portions with just enough to satisfy the four of us.
Our server, Greg was personable and friendly, knowledgeable and attentive ensuring we were well taken care of. Yes, this is going on my repeat list…I’m definitely going back for another taste. And since I was duly impressed, I plan to try Bernie Kantak’s other restaurant in Phoenix, called The Gladly!